Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, also known as Salim Saleh, the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), publicly rejected a song by renowned artist Emmanuel Suuna, alias Omulangira Suuna, that was intended to promote wealth creation initiatives.
OWC, a government program focused on alleviating poverty through agricultural and economic support, has previously worked with artists to raise awareness about its goals. However, Suuna’s contribution faced criticism from Gen. Saleh during an event in Gulu.
Suuna, invited to perform his song, addressed the audience, saying, “General, I love you so much. This song I am going to sing is about wealth creation.” Despite initial attention, Gen. Saleh became visibly dissatisfied with the performance.
After the song ended, he took the microphone and expressed his displeasure, stating, “Musicians have failed to make music; they can’t even make good music. You have sung nothing. Don’t we have wealth creation music? If you want to leave, leave.” Suuna, feeling disheartened, walked off the stage and sat near the DJ table, avoiding further engagement.
Gen. Saleh also criticized the music industry as a whole, accusing musicians of hindering his work in northern Uganda. “Musicians, I am tired of you. You’ve taken a lot of my time. I haven’t even met with the NRM people because I’m always dealing with musicians like Bucha Man, Ragga Dee, and others,” he lamented.
Gen. Saleh has voiced concerns about the influx of musicians in Gulu, especially during the festive season, and in a letter to Eddy Kenzo, President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation, he urged attention to this issue.
He also suggested that musicians’ activities should align with national development goals. Some speculate that recent visits from musicians and comedians to Gen. Saleh’s home in Gulu seeking financial support may have influenced his firm position.
